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Tony Blair: President Obama’s speech gives “shape and direction” to future peace negotiations

President Obama’s Middle East speech gives “shape and direction” to future peace negotiations, according to Quartet Representative Tony Blair.

Appearing on CNN’s ‘The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer’ to discuss the President’s speech, Tony Blair said:

“I think the important thing about the President's speech is that it tries to give shape and direction to that negotiation when we can put it back together. So he emphasizes very strongly the Palestinians' right to a Palestinian state that is viable and sovereign. But he also emphasizes equally strongly the Israeli need for security, the Israeli determination, supported by the United States and the international community, to defend its security [and] lays down some clear lines, some clear principles, upon which we are going to act.”

The Quartet Representative also emphasised the importance of President Barack Obama’s call on Hamas, as part of the new Palestinian government, to accept Israel’s right to exist, renounce terrorism and accept previous agreements. He said:

“...it is important to emphasize the reason why we ...demand this of Hamas...because, if you don't give up violence, then obviously it is impossible to have peace. And if you don't -- when you are trying to reach a two-state solution, a viable state, a Palestine, a secure state of Israel, if you don't accept Israel's right to exist, it is hard to see how you can have that two-state solution.”

“So, these principles are not there just for the sake of it. They are there because they are the only sensible, practical route to make peace. Now, I was also with President Abbas earlier today on the West Bank in Ramallah. And I spoke to him about the -- this new government and coming together. And he made it very, very clear that this government would only come together on a basis that promoted peace.”